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Call/communicate for positive reasons

 

E.g. bringing equipment, being in uniform, working hard, up to date, being helpful and kind etc..

 

Introduce yourself and why you’re calling

Use the phrase “Everything is fine/ok”

Ask parents if they have time to talk

Explain the great thing that has happened

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Difficult conversations

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Be timely, do not let issues fester or get worse

Being clear on purpose for call

e.g. subject progress, attendance, uniform etc

Be in correct ‘frame of mind’ start with a calm mindset try and ‘sleep on it’ if possible

Workshop phone call beforehand and have notes

Speak to relevant staff e.g. LAC, TL etc

Check their Compass- has the family already been contacted that day?

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Remember:

Have possible solutions ready

Be realistic and flexible with timeframes (depending on issues)

Be empathetic to the parents and listen

Conversations are about collaboration not a battle

Do not let phone calls escalate, you are able to conclude the call

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Conversations with families from Language Backgrounds other than English

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Depending on the language spoken at home, families can be contacted using a Multicultural Education Aide (MEA) or an interpreting service called All Graduates.

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If you need to access an interpreter for a phone call or a parent meeting, the information is below. 

 

You will need to know the parent’s name, language required and provide your email address for confirmation.

 

You will then receive a booking reference number.

 

Onsite interpreting book via portal:

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Username: mount.ridley.p12@education.vic.gov.au

Password: iyAASd3 

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Telephone interpreting: 03 8104 9006

School pin: 24318531

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Multicultural Aides or MEAs are Education Support Staff specifically hired to bridge the gap between families and the school.

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​​We also have Multicultural aides available for Assyrian and Arabic- these are onsite staff members who can communicate concerns on your behalf.

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They can:

Make phone calls/attend meetings in community languages

Assist in class with EAL students

Translate basic school documents

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To request an MEA, please do so via Compass. Our MEAs speak Assyrian and Arabic.

You will need to do a request via Compass to access this service.

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​​Please type in the child's name, then then look under the 'communication' tab and fill in relevant information.

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You can check their language on Compass.

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